Spring 2009 - Greensboro Historical Society

GREENSBORO
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NUMBER 31
Spring 2009
NEWSLETTER
GHS
Calendar
Summer 2009
July 1, 3-5
Reception and Opening of
Summer Exhibit
Greensboro Bend: The Village
the Railroad Built
Regular Exhibit
Hours
July 1-August 29
Tuesday, Wednesday, &
Thursday, 10-1 P.M.
Saturday, 10-12 P.M.
July 11, 2-4 P.M.
Ice Cream Social
July 13, 7:30 P.M.
Annual Meeting,
featuring Lacey Smith:
The Redcoats’ War
Fellowship Hall
August 2, 4 - 6 P.M.
Vermont Cheese and
Wine Tasting
The Highland Lodge
Greensboro Bend Revisited
Memories of Greensboro Bend in the 1950’s came alive at the Winter Meeting of the
Greensboro Historical Society held at St. Michael’s Parish Hall on March 1st. Following
an introduction by Cathie Wilkinson, Jan Travers offered a fascinating history of the
railroad’s role in developing the Bend from a cedar swamp to a lively community.
During the 1940’s and 50’s, the town bustled with commercial enterprises. Sonny
Demars listed 23 businesses and a hotel, including
two grain stores, McDonald’s blacksmith shop,
two potato warehouses, Piper Pool Hall, Collins’
Store, Davis’ Store, Smith’s Store, a sawmill with a
beautiful steam engine and hardwood floors, and
Tanguay’s Garage. This last featured prominently
in the wonderful tale Bill Cook told of his
adventures with Roy Bennett when they were just
ten years old. They spent their days making the
rounds on their bicycles to local businesses, where
they worked odd jobs and were often treated to
Bill Cook sharing stories.
small talk and a slice of cake.
Stories from the many families present demonstrated a strong sense of community,
with memories from one person linked to those of another. Often these memories
relayed the importance of the railroad in the community. Mr. Philbrook talked of his
25 years on the section crew and at the Morrisville station, and David Allen told the
story of his father, Wallace Allen, who was stuck on a runaway train and lived to tell
the tale to WDEV radio. Jacqueline Tanguay Molleur wasn’t allowed to ride a bicycle
on the main street until she was a teenager for fear that the town’s one car might come
through. In the Bend, the water which fed the steam engines was piped to the water
tower from Evelyn Messier Gauthier’s land, near what is now Cloutier Car Repair.
There was a coaling station adjacent to the tracks, where Sonny Demars remembers
a one-handed man who shoveled all the coal. And Albert Brochu did putt-putt car
repairs. It is clear from an afternoon with
those in the community of Greensboro
Bend, that the railroad was the town’s
lifeline, trading goods – and gossip – that
were vital to village life.
If you missed the meeting, we invite
you to view it at GHS building on a DVD
created by Anne Molleur Hanson, as well
as listen to Wallace Allen’s interview with
WDEV.
August 10, 7 P.M.
Greensboro Antique
Roadshow
Fellowship Hall
A display of artifacts, photos, and
documents about Greensboro Bend
was prepared for the event by Cathie
Wilkinson, Ercel Harvey, and Debbie
Kasper. The display will be part of this
summer’s Historical Society exhibit.
September 5,
10 - 2 P.M.
Book Sale
(with cider and doughnuts)
Lyles Garage
Viewing the display at March meeting.
Greensboro Historical Society Newsletter
President’s
Corner
by Jenny Stoner
Meeting our Challenges
What do we do when times are tough? Although
many of us may be tired of all the talk about the
depressed economy, we must accept the new reality
that requires us to act differently and look for ways to
confront these new challenges. As I have been thinking
about GHS and how we are affected, I find myself
inspired and comforted by lessons learned from the
past. Here in Greensboro we have a proud history that
can help.
Lewis Hill, in talking about his wonderful collection
of family tools, once said, “These are things my family
made and used around the farm and household over
the years. Everything’s homemade. One thing that
impresses me is that if I can’t afford something, I go
without it. But they got busy and made it.” Maybe we
are not equipped to make many of the things we need,
but in adapting this philosophy to the 21st century, we
need to find a way to do what needs to be done with
resources that are already available. These resources
in our community include a richness of gifted people
who are willing to share their talents.
This spring, as we reevaluated our building plans,
we have discovered resources close at hand: people
who are willing to help. By accepting the energy and
gifts of members of our community, we are convinced
that we can utilize the lessons of our history and
successfully meet today’s challenges.
Membership Renewal Time
Now is the time to become a new member
of Greensboro Historical Society or renew your
membership and make a donation to help preserve
Greensboro’s past.
Individual Membership $6
Family Membership
$12
Life Membership
$200
An envelope is enclosed for your convenience.
Thank you for your generous support.
Spring 2009
Remembrance
GHS members who have died in the last year.
Members
Barry W. Mallon,
Sylvia Lotspeich.
Clifton Jackson
Samuel H. Beer,
Frank B. Easton, Jr.
Emeric Tanguay
Life Members
Alison S. Norton
Kathryn D. Bascom
Hazel Drown Rogers
Lewis Hill
Robert Finsthwait
Thomas Frank
C. William Carter
Alberta Stehle
Ruth Hunsberger
Keith M. Ladd
Dorothy Ling
Ralph Fisher
Dr. Hendrik van Olphen
Evelyn Woodruff
It is with special sadness that we note the deaths
on the same April day of two of our founding
members: Dorothy Ling and Ralph Fisher. Both
helped to shape the vision of Greensboro Historical
Society and continued their support over the
years. Our thanks to each of them for their many
contributions to preserving the story of their
town.
Old Stone House Day
Old Stone House Day, the annual celebration of the
Orleans County Historical Society, will be held on
Sunday, August 9th from 8:30am-3pm. The event
offers an opportunity to interact with history through
demonstrations of traditional skills, tours of the Old
Stone House Museum, a farmers market, craft sales
and special activities for children. This year’s theme
is Many Roads Home: the Cultural Patchwork of Orleans
County, which illustrates with artifacts and writings
the main cultural influences on our region. Greensboro
Historical Society will have a display as part of the
Old Stone House Day festivities. Visit the exhibits (no
special activities) Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-5pm, from
May 15-October 15.
Page 2
Greensboro Historical Society Newsletter
Spring 2009
Emeric Tanguay: Raconteur of Greensboro Bend
“Do you want summer air or winter air?” Emeric Tanguay asks a young
boy who stops by his garage with his bicycle. “Well, I dunno. Summer,
I guess.”
Jokester, raconteur, farmer, mechanic, dowser, and family man, Tanguay
will be remembered by everyone as that jolly man with the stories. Born
in Quebec in 1914, as the seventh of eight children, he moved to Vermont
with his family when he was two. In 1940, he married Jeanette Morin.
In the early years of his marriage, he farmed, cut ice on Caspian, and
logged. In 1946, he bought Heidger Garage in Greensboro Bend, a village
gathering place and automotive repair shop he operated for more than
50 years.
In the words of his granddaughter, Anne Molleur Hanson:
If you’re really lucky, you have bedrock in your life. Pepère was that to
his family, and he certainly was that to me. Bedrock is the solid stuff that
underlies what you do, who you turn out to be, how you treat others.
My whole life, that bedrock was there, in the form of a short, jovial man
who was bald, full of life, good humor, a bit stubborn, and only once in Emeric Tanguay, Greensboro Bend resident
a blue moon displayed a flash of the “Tanguay Temper.”
and winner of the 1998 Greensboro Award,
had a reputation for being able to fix any
“Helloooo” is how you would be greeted by Pepère if you called him car that came into his garage. He died in his
on the phone, as long as it was during his waking hours – somewhere home on March 22, 2009.
between 4:30 in the morning and 6:30 or 7:00pm when he went to bed.
His early years on the farm in South Walden had ingrained a farmer’s schedule and work ethic into his makeup
that lasted his whole life. Pepère and his older sister Christine worked as a team on that farm to keep it going when
their father grew ill, creating a bond between the siblings that lasted a lifetime. She worried about him, as any older
sister would who had seen an infant brother nearly die in his first year. How he survived is a miracle, for the story
goes that he weighed less at age one than he did at birth. My best guess is that he survived because he was loved
so much by his family. Once he turned the corner, he developed a constitution that was unbelievably strong, and
he gave back – his whole life – the love and kindness his family had shown.
Pepère was not competitive, but every Sunday he was determined to get to church early. I think it was a matter
of pride to be the first car in the churchyard. It was always a treat to be greeted by his smiling face as he stood at
the back of the church and collected the quarter for seating.
Tommy Eastman was Pepère’s “back door neighbor” on Hardwick Street. “Happiest man I ever met,” was how
Tommy described Pepère a few years back. “We would hear him sing or whistle all day long if he was working the
back field.” Tommy tells a story of Pepère giving him rides to school. The rule was that if you lived a mile and a
half or less to school, you walked. But every morning as Pepère drove the “bus” (a large car or a box on skis with
a team of horses, depending on the season), he would slow down for Tommy, who would jump up on the driver’s
side running board, put his arm out the window and hold onto his young friend on the ride to school. At day’s
end, Tommy would run like heck out of the schoolyard so he could catch the return ride!
He and Memère loved to go out to dance and party on weekends. His daughters tell us that he and Memère
were often out most of the night with friends. He was a great storyteller, and he was in his element when he was
telling one. His story-telling at the Hardwick French Heritage Festival is now legendary. At family gatherings, he
would sit at the head of the table telling stories, often in French. Pepère loved to have family around, especially
at mealtimes. He’d spend half the meal passing dishes, inquiring if everyone had had enough to eat. But always,
after lunch, as he did every day of his working life, he took a nap. On Sundays he napped on his bed; other days
in work clothes on an old bedspread he’d put down on the living room floor. We think this was the key to his
longevity – and laughing every day.
We will miss Pepère, Dad, Emeric dearly. We were lucky to have him as the bedrock in our lives. And the good
thing about bedrock is – it’s always there.
Page 3
Greensboro Historical Society Newsletter
Spring 2009
Report on GHS Building Progress
While momentous events have been occurring in our nation
and the world in the last ten months, major changes have also
taken place in the life of the Greensboro Historical Society. We
started our ambitious capital campaign last August, using plans
developed by a prestigious architect with extensive experience
working on historic buildings. The plans were lovely, but very
expensive.
In light of the economic downturn that started last fall, GHS’
leadership realized the need to reevaluate the situation and
design a more modest undertaking. Consulting with key state
regulators, we have learned that some measures that seemed
necessary are not. After changing architects, we now have a more
modest plan that will meet the most urgent needs for GHS and
the building. It includes provision for completing the vision in
two phases, at a substantially reduced cost. Instead of $400,000, the cost of Phase I is now estimated at $175,000,
with some additional renovations to the existing building that the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board has
shown interest in funding. The total project cost is projected at $251,000.
Phase I is comprised of a “barn-like” addition behind the existing building and the needed connections to the
current building. This will create space for a collection of 19th century Greensboro agricultural and household
tools bequeathed by one of our founders, Lewis Hill, as well as other artifacts (not including photographs and
documents). This space does not need heating, as we will continue holding exhibits in warmer months.
Phase II involves completion of the lower level of the new structure to provide heated and climate controlled
work and archival space. This includes installation of fireproof storage for the society’s records, as well as those of
Mountain View Country Club and other groups who have entrusted their historic documents to us.
We would love to be able to complete the total project in 2009-10, but can defer Phase II until funds are available.
Lakeview Students at GHS
Mrs. Morrissey's 6th grade class from Lakeview Elementary
visited GHS on May 20th. They learned about the role of the
historical society and were eager to do research for their project
on Caspian Lake. Cathie Wilkinson, Ercel Harvey, and Debbie
Kasper helped them find information in the vertical files and in
the photo files.
Richie Thompson, Cheryl Lumsden, Tyler Rich,
and Joot Wright do research, assisted by
Cathie Wilkinson.
William Anderson and Axel Cruz
share their findings.
Page 4
Greensboro Historical Society Newsletter
July Program and Annual Meeting
Most of us understand that the American Civil War
(as we call it in the North) is perceived differently in the
South, where it is still referred to as the War Between
the States. But have you ever thought that perhaps our
glorious War of Independence was looked at differently
by the English? On Monday, July 13th Lacey Smith will
bring a new perspective to the discussion about the
Revolutionary War, when he presents, The Redcoats’ War:
the American Revolution from the British Perspective. As
Smith notes, “few Americans appreciate how important
the War of Independence was to global history or how
extraordinary the conflict was. At eight years and five
months, it was the longest war in American history.”
Come to Fellowship Hall at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, July
13th for a new appreciation of this pivotal event that
shaped our collective history. All who have heard GHS
member Lacey Smith know that this will be an enjoyable
and enlightening evening.
Because the Antique Road Show will take place in
August, we have chosen to hold our Annual Meeting
a month early. The Annual Meeting, then, will precede
Smith’s presentation. Reception to follow.
Vermont Cheese and Wine Tasting
On Sunday, August 2nd, from 4:00-6:00 P.M. the
Highland Lodge and GHS invite you to sample nationally
acclaimed Vermont cheeses and wines with local vintners
and cheese-makers. Mateo Kehler of Jasper Hill Farm will
share the story of their success and answer your questions.
Several local farmstead cheese-makers will also be
available to talk about their specialties. This is a wonderful
opportunity to taste some of the wide variety of farmstead
cheeses you see at the local farmers’ markets.
Nothing pairs with cheese quite like wine. Come and
taste the incredible wines that are made in Vermont, and
learn how Vermonter vintners have risen to the challenge
of our climate. If non-alcoholic beverages are your
preference, there will be plenty of options from which
to choose. All this and much more for $20 suggested
donation. Please make reservations at Highland Lodge
(533-2647).
Spring 2009
Hazen Road Dispatch:
Stories to Remember
This year’s Hazen Road Dispatch has articles by several
new contributors. Take a look at a few snippets from some
of those pieces:
“At home in East Hardwick, I had been the nearest
neighbor to an American icon – a bonafide, established,
general store, complete with white-haired ‘mom and
pop’ storekeepers.” Anne Molleur Hanson, writing about
McFeeters’ Store.
“Camp Ethan Allen was created from a hill farm in the
late 1940’s, on the high ridge north of Hardwick, Vermont,
above Lake Eligo. George F. Seuffert, a bank executive
and part-time leader of a concert band in the borough of
Queens in New York City, purchased the property on June
22, 1948, and founded the Ethan Allen Music Camp.” H.
Clay Simpson
“The old clubhouse was falling down. Bad as these
things were, perhaps a more unfortunate circumstance
was that there had evolved a rivalry…contributing to the
general stagnation. The struggle was between those who
wished to keep things as they had always been, and those
who wished to modernize.” Henry A.G. King, quoting
Fred Broad, on the recent renovations to the Mountain
View Country Club.
Read these articles, as well as those from our regular
contributors, Daniel Metraux, Allen Davis, Paul Wood,
and Charlie Morrissey. The Hazen Road Dispatch will go
on sale at Willey’s Store and at the Greensboro Historical
Society in mid-June. If you would like a copy sent to you,
please send your request with $10 to GHS: PO Box 151,
Greensboro, VT 05841.
Gail Sangree
Stegner Centennial Celebration
A Wallace Stegner Centennial celebration, including
speakers, book discussion and self-guided tours of
Stegner’s favorite Greensboro Haunts will take place
September 25-27 at Highland Lodge.
Antique Roadshow, Greensboro Style
Most of us have treasures we love, but whose value we don’t know. Perhaps you have a painting, a small piece
of furniture or an antique tool. On August 10th at 7pm, have your questions answered at a Greensboro Antique
Roadshow. Antique appraiser Jim Marquis of Wallingford, will bring his 30 years of professional experience in buying,
selling and appraising antiques to Fellowship Hall. Marquis is certified by the Society of Antique Appraisers as a
generalist, and is eager to appraise your favorite heirlooms (except fine jewelry).
As a fundraiser for the new building, GHS is inviting you to what is sure to be an interesting evening. Appraisals
are $10 per item or $25 for three items. To pre-register the number of items you are bringing, please send an e-mail
to: [email protected] or phone her at 586-6913.
Page 5
Summer Exhibit
Greensboro Bend: The Village the Railroad Built
What would life have been like in Greensboro if the St.
Johnsbury and Lake Champlain Railroad had followed
the original route, going straight to Walden and bypassing
Greensboro Bend? How would farmers have gotten their
milk and butter to the Boston market? How would Willey’s
Store and other grocers received their merchandise? Did you
know that the intervention by a few key people persuaded
the Greensboro Town fathers to offer a $25,000 incentive to
bring this vital resource to our town and change our history?
This year’s summer exhibit features Greensboro Bend, the
commercial center that outshone the Greensboro village, and
has continued to preserve its own distinctive identity.
A special addition to the exhibit will come from students at
Lakeview Elementary School, many of whom are studying
Greensboro Bend as their local history project this year. Their
displays will add a contemporary note to the exhibit.
Summer Exhibit Hours
July 1-August 29
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 - 1 P.M.
Saturday, 10 - 12 P.M.
Opening Reception: July 1, 3 - 5 P.M.
Spring 2009
GREENSBORO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NEWSLETTER
Published Twice Yearly
P.O. Box 151
Greensboro, Vermont 05841
Trustees
Tim Breen, Clive Gray, Linda Johnston, David Metraux
Martha Niemi, Catherine Wilkinson
Officers
Jenny Stoner, President
Wilhelmina Smith, Vice President
Catherine Wilkinson and Pat Haslam, Co-Secretaries
Janet Long, Treasurer
Committee Chairpersons
Wilhelmina Smith, Acquisitions
Catherine Wilkinson, Program
Mary Ciaschini, Membership
Martha Niemi, Volunteers
Elizabeth Metraux, Clive Gray and Tom Woodward,
Capital Campaign
Newsletter Contributors
Anne Hanson, Debbie Kasper,
Elizabeth Metraux, Gail Sangree,
Wilhelmina Smith, Jenny Stoner
Greensboro Historical Society
P.O. Box 151
Greensboro, Vermont 05841
Greensboro Historical Society Newsletter